South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, on Tuesday attended the Inter-Communal Governance Structures (ICGS) forum facilitated by the Partners for Peace Canal. This event marks a significant turning point in local peacebuilding efforts across Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
Governor Kok expressed profound gratitude to the organisers and development partners, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to peace sensitisation campaigns and community dialogue.
“You have made substantial investments in peace, educating our people for lasting harmony. Now, the ball is in the government’s court; it is our responsibility as a State Government to address these criminals and restore full stability,” Kok said yesterday at the Palm Africa Hotel during the workshop.
Peter Guzulu Maze, the Chief Administrator of GPAA, echoed similar sentiments, describing the forum as a historic moment for Jonglei, Greater Pibor, and their partners, while recognising the painful reality of lives lost in past conflicts.
“Let us be ambassadors of peace. We need road connectivity and land access in Lekongole, Akobo, Malakal, and other key regions for agriculture. Recovery must go hand in hand with infrastructure development,” Maze emphasised.
Maze confirmed that efforts to recover abducted children are ongoing, and that stolen cattle will be returned to their rightful owners to demonstrate the communities’ commitment to reconciliation.
Malual Gabriel Kon, the Minister of Peacebuilding in Jonglei, expressed gratitude to all peace implementers and called for deeper reconciliation measures.
“We must unite as one national youth; there is a need for inclusive policies that extend education and healthcare services to remote areas and grassroots communities. Our people in the farthest corners deserve the same peace dividends and development as anyone else,” Malual stated.
The peace forum provided a critical platform for dialogue, reaffirming the shared resolve of all stakeholders to dismantle cycles of violence and build a peaceful, prosperous future across Jonglei and the GPAA.
